P. Yan (right) beat C. Sandhagen (left) in the unanimous decision of the judges. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Protagonist of the second most important fight in the UFC 267, held this Saturday (30), on 'Ilha da Luta', in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Petr yan confirmed his favoritism, surpassed Cory Sandhagen in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) and won the interim bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.). With a show of technique, the two fighters had a lively duel, with frank exchanges for much of the time.
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With the victory, Yan continues to qualify for the title fight after the controversial disqualification against aljamain sterling and now the rematch should really get off the ground. Considered by many to be the best fighter under 61,2 kg, the Russian achieved his 16th victory in his career. He also has two defeats.
Sandhagen, on the other hand, misses the chance to wear an Ultimate belt for the first time. The North American, in this way, feels the 'bitter taste' of the fourth negative result. In his career, there are 14 triumphs and four setbacks.
The fight
The atmosphere – and crowd – was on Yan's side, who was already considered the favorite for the fight. Sandhagen, however, took the early initiatives with low kicks and jabs to maintain distance over his opponent. The fight, even so, was marked by a lot of study and great movement from both competitors. While the North American was moving, the Russian bet his chips on getting closer and tried to corner him. At the last minute, Cory tried a takedown and, unsuccessfully, received a punch from Petr.
With the athletes already warmed up, the second round had a frenetic and high-level pace from the opening seconds. Sandhagen, who tried to keep his distance, was already easily touched and, on the other hand, worked on traumatic blows and on the waist line. Yan, on the other hand, changed bases frequently and was also able to connect good sequences in boxing.
Recognized, precisely, for increasing his intensity as time passes, the Russian was already measuring the distance and entering sporadic moments in his sequences. On the other hand, the North American showed greater offensive impetus, even though he already appeared a little tired. Until, in one round blow, Petr yan managed to hit the face of Cory Sandhagen – which resulted in knockdown. However, the athlete was unable to 'settle the bill' and gave his opponent room to recover.
And boxing Petr yan, in fact, began to appear more frequently. At ease in combat, the Russian was superior in direct shots and crosses at close range and Cory Sandhagen walked backwards. Even so, the two athletes continued their frank exchanges and cheered up the audience.
After great intensity from the fighters, the last round continued with the same characteristic: big blows from the feet. And, already superior, Petr yan continued to connect the best combinations and Cory Sandhagen it became more static. In the final seconds, the two athletes exchanged intense punches and left to applause for their respective performances.
UFC 267 results
MAIN CARD (15 p.m. Brasília time)
Light Heavyweight: Jan Blachowicz x Glover Teixeira – Fight for the belt
Bantamweight: Petr yan derrotou Cory Sandhagen in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) – Fight for the interim belt
Lightweight: Islam makhachev derrotou Dan Hooker via submission (armbar) at 3m25s of R1
Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov derrotou Marcin tybura in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Welterweight Weight: Khamzat Shimaev derrotou Jingliang Li via submission (rear naked choke) at 3m16s of R1
Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Volkan oezdemir in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD (11:30 p.m., Brasília time)
Straw weight: Amanda ribas derrotou Virna jandiroba in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Feather weight: Zubaira Tukhugov derrotou Ricardo Carcacinha in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Average weight: Albert Duraev derrotou Roman Kopylov in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Welterweight Weight: Elizeu Capoeira derrotou Benoit Saint-Denis in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
Light heavyweight: Michal Olekzsiejczuk defeated Shamil Gamzatov by technical knockout (punches) at 3:31 of R1
Feather weight: Lerone murphy derrotou mawan amirkhani by knockout (flying knee) at 0m14s of R2
Average weight: Andre Petroski derrotou Yaozong Hu by submission (choke) at 4m46s of R3
Fly weight: Tagir Ulanbekov derrotou Allan Puro Osso in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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